Funding your education
Financial Aid
We understand that pursuing an advanced degree is a major commitment and a significant investment. At SP2, we are committed to supporting you on your journey by providing information on scholarships, loans, work study opportunities, and a range of other resources. There are resources and tools that make a graduate degree at SP2 accessible and affordable, and we are committed to helping you navigate the process.
“I spend a lot of time strategizing and making sure that our students are ready. So we have programming around financial readiness, financial wellness, and financial career planning.”
– Pamela Gordy, Director of Financial Aid
How Much Does SP2 Cost?
Please note that the information on this page applies primarily to Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Science in Social Policy (MSSP), and Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL) applicants.
Learn more about financial support for the PhD in Social Welfare program.
Entering Students
Financial aid specialists are available to meet with you and answer any questions regarding financial aid.
Current Students
Financial aid specialists are available to meet with you and answer any questions about your financial aid, billing, or payment options.
SP2 Scholarships
SP2 offers limited scholarships to prospective master’s, Doctorate in Clinical Social Work, and Doctorate in Nonprofit Administration students. Applicants who wish to be considered for scholarships must indicate their interest by answering “yes” to the scholarship consideration question within the admissions application; no separate application is needed. PhD students receive full tuition and stipend for four years.
Consideration, Eligibility, and Award
To be considered for scholarships, master’s, DSW and DNPA students must complete the financial aid supplement section of the admissions application. If a student indicates on their application that they are requesting financial aid, their application will not be considered complete until this section is fully completed. No separate scholarship application is required.
If the financial aid supplement section is not submitted, students are not eligible for direct scholarship aid.
You must complete the financial aid supplement section at the time you are applying for admission to be considered for scholarship support.
Please note that applying for financial aid will in no way affect your admission eligibility.
Scholarships are available to domestic and international students. Scholarships are awarded based on faculty recommendation and demonstrated financial need.
Students who are applying to dual degree programs should note that any scholarship is for full-time enrollment and will be applied at a per CU rate tuition reduction.
Full-time tuition benefits eligible faculty and staff, and dependent children of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Medicine and HUP are not eligible for SP2 scholarships.
If you become tuition benefit eligible during your time at University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy & Practice, your SP2 scholarship will be removed from your account.
Any questions about the staff/faculty tuition benefit can be directed to: tuition@hr.upenn.edu
Center for Social Impact Strategy (CSIS) Accelerated Students(opens in a new tab) and partner Executive Program Accelerated Students are not eligible for scholarships.
Submatriculate students(opens in a new tab) are not eligible for scholarships.
Change in the Number of Course Units in Which you are Enrolled
The amount of your financial aid award depends on the number of course units (CUs) in which you are enrolled. Your initial award is prepared based on full-time, full-year enrollment. If you are not enrolled in a minimum of 2 degree-applicable course units or do not plan to come back to SP2 for the spring term, your awards may be adjusted to reflect these changes.
Financial aid award amounts vary depending on the number of course units in which you are enrolled during that term. A change in course units can affect your SP2 scholarship and your federal student loan amount even after you have accepted the award.
After the add/drop period has ended, the SP2 Office of Financial Aid (SP2-OFA) reviews financial aid eligibility for students with financial aid awards.
Please Note: financial aid may be adjusted after the add/drop period due to a variety of factors. Students must be enrolled in at least 2 CUs (half-time) to receive federal student loans. SP2 scholarships are calculated based on the number of CUs a student is enrolled in for a semester.
Any questions about the SP2 Financial Aid Add/Drop financial aid policy please contact sp2financialaid@sp2.upenn.edu
Notification of a scholarship award is included in applicants’ admissions decision letters. Please note, SP2 scholarships are awarded factoring in the total course units required for the program. Scholarships will be adjusted for dual degree and transfer students to be applied at a per CU rate, thus reducing the total scholarship amount applied. The amount will be divided by the total program CU’s.
SP2 Scholars Program
The SP2 Scholars Program is a competitive scholarship program with the aim of enhancing the School’s ongoing commitment to the recruitment and retention of students with a particular interest in and demonstrated capacity for leadership in social good. SP2 Scholars will receive full tuition benefits, be supported through an enriched structure of mentorship and additional training opportunities, and be part of a dynamic cohort of scholars.
The SP2 Scholars Program will offer full-tuition scholarships to students who enter a full-time master’s degree program.
To be eligible for consideration, the applicant must have:
- Applied by the priority deadline to one of SP2’s three master’s degree programs: Master of Social Work (MSW)(opens in a new tab), Master of Science in Social Policy (MSSP)(opens in a new tab), or Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL)(opens in a new tab)
- Demonstrated an interest in and capacity for leadership in social good
No separate application is required. Learn more.(opens in a new tab)
Applicants to the MSW, MSSP, or NPL program(s) who are interested in being considered for the the SP2 Scholars Program qualify for an application fee waiver. Email apply@sp2.upenn.edu with your name to receive a fee waiver.
Adiza M. Ezell, MSW
Director of Admissions & Recruitment
215.898.5521
adiza@upenn.edu
Peace Corps’ Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program
Paul D. Coverdell Fellows examine complex social issues through an interdisciplinary perspective, both in the classroom and through MSW practicum placements and NPL leadership practicums. These placements allow fellows to incorporate and share skills they have gained as international Peace Corps volunteers.
SP2 awards two MSW Coverdell Fellowships per year. Each Fellow receives a scholarship of $8,750 per semester, for a total of $35,000. MSW students who are eligible for federal work study support can also earn up to an additional $2,000 per year.
SP2 awards two NPL Coverdell Fellowships per year. Each Fellow receives a scholarship of $21,825 distributed over the course of the program. In addition to the scholarship award outlined, NPL students who are eligible for federal work study support can also earn up to an additional $2,000.
Please note that Coverdell scholarships and other SP2 scholarship awards cannot be combined.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Satisfactory completion of service according to Peace Corps regulations (see the Coverdell Fellows webpage(opens in a new tab) for details)
- Enrollment in the full-time, two-year Master of Social Work (MSW) program or Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL) program
- Submission of application and supplemental materials, including letters of recommendation, by the priority deadline (preferably)
Returning Peace Corps participants are eligible for an application fee waiver. To receive this waiver, email apply@sp2.upenn.edu with your name and state that you are a returned Peace Corps Volunteer.
Applicants to the Master of Social Work (MSW) or Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL) programs who apply by the priority application deadline, December 1st, are automatically considered. Student who apply by the regular application deadline, February 1st, may still be considered depending on scholarship availability.
Students should indicate that they have served in the Peace Corps on their application where requested. Fellowships will be awarded in March and only selected students will be notified.
Office of Financial Aid
215 573 9661
finaid@sp2.upenn.edu
City Year National Service Scholarship
Our partnership with City Year brings idealistic and committed leaders with experience working in diverse settings and a high level of maturity and insight to the Penn SP2 community. The City Year National Service Scholarship is open to City Year AmeriCorps members, Senior AmeriCorps members, alumni, and staff that meet eligibility requirements.
There are a series of opportunities available:
- Social Work (full-time or part-time): The award totals $30,000 ($15,000 per year for the two-year MSW program) for up to two City Year corps, alumni, or staff per year.
- Social Work (Advanced Standing): The award totals $18,750 (one-year program) for one City Year corps member, alumni, or staff member annually.
- Social Policy (MSSP): The award totals $18,750 (one-year program) for one City Year corps member, alumni, or staff member annually.
- Nonprofit Leadership (NPL): The award totals $18,750 (one-year program) for 1 City Year corps member, alumni, or staff member annually.
Please note that the City Year National Service Scholarships cannot be combined with other SP2 scholarship awards.
This scholarship is available to currently serving AmeriCorps members, alumni who have completed a term of AmeriCorps service, and staff members employed for at least two years. Students will be considered for a City Year National Service Scholarship if they submit completed applications with all supplemental material by December 15th (MSSP) or January 15th (MSW or NPL).
All City Year participants (currently serving AmeriCorps members, alumni who completed a term of AmeriCorps service and staff members employed for at least two years) are eligible to receive an application fee waiver. To obtain this waiver, email apply@sp2.upenn.edu with your name and state your current or past affiliation/service with City Year.
Applicants who complete the application process for their chosen master’s program by December 15th for the MSSP program or January 15th for the MSW and NPL programs are automatically considered. All supplemental admission materials, including letters of recommendation, applicable test scores, must be submitted by these dates.
A service verification letter must be requested by applicants and received by December 15th (MSSP) or January 15th (MSW or NPL). Email alumni@cityyear.org with “PENN SP2: City Year verification letter request” in the subject line and include the site where you served and your dates of service. This letter will be sent to the Admissions Office on your behalf.
Admitted City Year National Service Scholars may defer enrollment by one year if they choose to serve with City Year for additional time before starting their studies.
Office of Financial Aid
215 573 9661
finaid@sp2.upenn.edu
Bonner Scholarship
The Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership Program (NPL) has partnered with The Corella & Bertram F. Bonner Foundation to increase access to education for low-income and first-generation students with diverse lived experiences and perspectives. The Bonner Community Scholars Program provides full or partial tuition scholarships to academically promising students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in exchange of engaging their talents and education in building and supporting vulnerable communities through civic engagement.
Bonner Scholar/Leader alumni and staff are encouraged to apply to the NPL program. SP2 awards all eligible applicants a guaranteed, one-time $15,000 scholarship.
Please note that Bonner Scholarship recipients can be considered for additional merit-based aid based on the strength of their application and need-based aid based on their demonstrated financial need in their application.
Applicants must have served as a Bonner Scholar/Leader or staff member for a minimum of one year to be eligible for the scholarship. Applicants will be considered for a scholarship if they submit a completed applications with all supplemental materials by the final application deadline.
No separate application is required. The applicant must indicate their affiliation as a Bonner Scholar/Leader, alumni, or staff member on the admissions application and provide their Bonner acceptance letter/email as an attachment.
Bonner Scholars/Leaders, alumni, and staff are eligible for a fee waiver. To receive this waiver, email apply@sp2.upenn.edu.
Office of Financial Aid
215 573 9661
finaid@sp2.upenn.edu
Full Tuition Scholarships
Newberg Family Scholarship
The Newberg Family scholarship is awarded to an entering meritorious MSW student who has demonstrated strong interest in social impact and social change. The Newberg Family scholarship recipient exhibits a strong commitment to social work values and ethics.
Donald J. Deutsch Scholarship
The Donald J. Deutsch scholarship is awarded to a meritorious entering NPL student, who has a demonstrated interest in social good and social entrepreneurship. The Donald J. Deutsch scholarship recipient exhibits a strong commitment to social impact.
Jay Goldman Scholarship
The Jay Goldman scholarship is awarded to a meritorious entering MSSP or MSSP+DA student, who has a demonstrated interest in social policy. The Jay Goldman recipient exhibits a strong commitment to impacting social change at the policy level.
To be eligible for consideration, the applicant must have:
- Applied by the priority deadline to one of SP2’s three master’s degree programs: Master of Social Work (MSW)(opens in a new tab), Master of Science in Social Policy (MSSP)(opens in a new tab), or Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL)(opens in a new tab)
- Demonstrated financial need
- The interest/commitment described in one of the scholarship descriptions
No separate application is required. Learn more.(opens in a new tab)
Applicants to the MSW, MSSP, or NPL program(s) who are interested in being considered for any of the scholarships qualify for an application fee waiver. Email apply@sp2.upenn.edu with your name to receive a fee waiver.
Our Named Scholarship Contributors
Baumgarten Family Scholarship
Dennis and June Brady Scholarship
Wendy and Matthew Cherwin Endowed Scholarship in Social Policy
Lira and Jon Cohen Foundation Scholarship
Colello-Moltzen Term Scholarship for Gender Health at SP2
Jeffrey and Susan Freed Scholarship
Glat Family Scholarship
Vicki Panzier Gross & Michael Gross Social Policy Fellowship
Ralph & Ida Gumberg Endowed Award
Florence R. Hart Endowed Scholarship
Heyer Foundation Graduate Prize Fellowship
Wilbur E. Hobbs Memorial Scholarship
Kellogg Estate Planning
Dorothy Kramer Bergstein Oncology Fellowship
Anita Langsfeld Endowed Scholarship
Betsy Schur Levy & David Levy Endowed Scholarship
Markus Family Endowed Scholarship
Mark & Dawn Ostroff Endowed Graduate Fellowship in Nonprofit/Nongovernmental Leadership
Otto and Gertrude K. Pollak Scholarship
Porreca Memorial Social Work Scholarship
Jean Seldomridge Price Memorial Scholarship
Lindsay B. and Evan M. Roth Master’s in Social Work Endowed Scholarship
School of Social Work Scholarship
Jean & Charles Segal Endowed Award
Aline & Tom Shapiro Endowed Graduate Scholarship
Silvers Family Endowed Fellowship
Krzysztof and Erica Werkun Endowed Scholarship in Social Policy
Wieseneck Family Endowed Graduate Fellowship
Yale Mann Endowed Scholarship
Gail and Albert Zwirn Endowed Scholarship
Private Scholarships
If you are interested in securing financial aid outside of what SP2 can offer, you may want to conduct a private scholarship search. When searching for private scholarships, consider checking with local civic groups, or employers.
These resources are designed to help individuals begin their search for outside scholarships. They do not indicate an endorsement of specific scholarships or organizations. Individuals interested in pursuing any of the programs listed should contact the scholarship provider directly.
These websites also provide useful information and resources:
- Finaid(opens in a new tab)
- The Complete Guide to Healthcare Scholarships(opens in a new tab)
- GraduateSchools(opens in a new tab)
- GoGrad(opens in a new tab)
- FastWeb(opens in a new tab)
- Scholarships(opens in a new tab)
- UniGo(opens in a new tab)
- MyScholly(opens in a new tab)
- Career One Stop(opens in a new tab)
- Global Scholarships(opens in a new tab)
Credello College Scholarship
Credello wants to help in helping students with their college education. All you need to do is create and submit a fun and informational video of yourself explaining your take on themes provided using the link below.
Based on a Specific Area of Interest
Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation Graduate Community Assistance Awards
These merit and need-based scholarships are awarded to students with demonstrated involvement in community service initiatives.
The Beinecke Scholarship Program
This program awards each recipient $4,000 immediately prior to entering graduate school and an additional $30,000 while attending graduate school. Scholars are encouraged to begin graduate study as soon as possible following graduation from college, and must utilize all of funding within five years of completion of undergraduate studies.
Harry S. Truman Scholarship
The Harry S. Truman Scholars Program provides $30,000 merit-based scholarships for students pursuing a public service-related graduate degree, such as public policy, nonprofit management, public administration, education, or international relations. Applicants must be junior-level students, be enrolled full-time in a four-year accredited U.S. institution, rank in the upper quarter of their class, have U.S. citizenship, and possess an extensive record of community service. Recipients are invited to attend an eight-week Summer Institute program in Washington, DC.
IES Predoctoral Training Program
The IES Predoctoral Training Program is a collaborative initiative among GSE, SAS, SP2, and Annenberg. PhD students from any of our schools are eligible to apply for this fellowship, which is available after a student completes his/her first year in doctoral studies.
William E. Simon Fellowship for Noble Purpose
The William E. Simon Fellowship for Noble Purpose is provided annually through the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI) for $10,000, $20,000, and $40,000 apiece to graduating college seniors committed to engaging directly in the civic life of their community. This scholarship can be used to fund nonprofit service projects, create opportunity for others, or advance education to the graduate level.
Pi Gamma Mu Scholarship
These scholarships are intended for first- or second-year graduate students in the areas of sociology, anthropology, political science, history, economics, international relations, public administration, criminal justice, law, social work, psychology, and human/cultural geography. The program is open to all members of Pi Gamma Mu in good standing.
Other Scholarships
Institute of International Education – Fulbright
The Fulbright program offers fellowships for graduate students to study in the United States for one year. Awards may be renewed, and program eligibility varies widely by country.
Thouron Award
As many as 10 students from the United Kingdom are awarded Thouron awards each year, enabling them to study at any Penn graduate school. The award pays full tuition, fees, health insurance, and an annual stipend for up to two years of study.
Tillman Scholars
This scholarship is open to military veterans (active duty or separated, including National Guard and reserve) and spouses pursuing a full-time degree at a US-based accredited institution. Each award is based on the applicant’s unique financial need.
Federal Work Study
Federal Work Study is a federal student aid program that provides part-time employment while you are enrolled in school to help pay for your education expenses. Federal work study may be available to United States citizens and permanent residents. To be considered for work study, applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available online(opens in a new tab).
MSW, MSSP, and NPL Students
Master of Social Work (MSW), M.S. in Social Policy (MSSP), and M.S. in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL) students deemed eligible for work study may use your work study award as your practicum/internship placement site and be paid for up to 160 hours that are already counted as practicum placement hours.
Plan Your Funds
Once the work study award amount is exhausted, there are no additional funds. Therefore, you should take personal responsibility to plan carefully for the distribution of work study funds according to your needs across the full academic year.
Clearances Required
If you are required to complete clearances for your practicum/internship placement, you will be required to submit additional clearances for the federal work study process. This process usually begins in September.
Important Note
Please note that full-time employees of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Medicine and HUP that are utilizing the Faculty/Staff Tuition benefit are ineligible for federal work-study.
Loans
Federal loan options are available to United States citizens and permanent residents who successfully complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)(opens in a new tab) and enroll at least half-time in a degree or certificate program. The University of Pennsylvania’s federal school code 003378. The FAFSA is available online at https://studentaid.gov/(opens in a new tab) in December each year.
FAFSA information is sent directly to the University’s office of Student Financial Services (SFS). The office prepares an official financial aid award package based on your FAFSA information, tuition, fees, and budget. Students will receive notification in July and can access their packaging information through Path@Penn(opens in a new tab). If you have questions about completing the FAFSA application, please contact FAFSA Help at 1-800-4FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or FederalStudentAidCustomerService@ed.gov.
The Direct Loan(opens in a new tab) is an unsubsidized federal loan available to graduate and professional students, with an annual maximum of $20,500. Eligibility for the Direct Loan can renew based on successful academic progress during your program. Additional information and application instructions can be found at Student Financial Services(opens in a new tab).
Income-driven repayment plans(opens in a new tab) make repaying student loans more manageable by reducing your required monthly payment. Several income-driven plans are available:
- Income-Based Repayment (IBR)
- Pay As You Earn Repayment (Pay As You Earn)
Each repayment plan has its own specific eligibility requirements. Contact your loan servicer(s) directly to see if you qualify. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)(opens in a new tab) encourages individuals to enter and continue working full-time in public service positions. Under this program, borrowers may qualify for forgiveness for the balance of their Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying payments while employed full time by certain public service employers.
Information for Current Penn Employees
The University offers employees the opportunity to pursue knowledge and to advance their personal and professional development by providing tuition assistance for credit courses at the University of Pennsylvania.
Penn employees who are interested in using their tuition benefit to enroll in classes must apply and be accepted into a non-degree or degree program. Once accepted and enrolled, you must complete the online tuition benefit form in order to activate your tuition benefit.
University of Pennsylvania Penn Payment Plan
Penn offers a monthly payment plan that allows families to pay educational expenses over five months per semester with no interest. The monthly payment plan is for the academic year and is not available for students enrolled in summer courses.
Educational Opportunities for Veterans
The University of Pennsylvania is approved for training veterans, spouses of deceased veterans, and children of veterans under the appropriate public laws. All students who wish to obtain educational benefits under these laws must register with the Office of the Registrar at the time of enrollment at the University. Veteran registration must be renewed at the beginning of each subsequent semester and each summer session. Please contact our Veterans Office at veterans@upenn.edu for more information.
Please note that the combination of any SP2 scholarship and veteran funding cannot exceed the cost of tuition and general fees.
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Office of Financial Aid
215 573 9661
finaid@sp2.upenn.edu
SP2 Social Innovation Scholarship Program
The School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) Social Innovation Scholarship is a competitive program that provides dedicated financial aid to master’s students seeking to innovate and generate impact in areas like economic security, immigration, or global conflict. The scholarship covers tuition for a select cohort of master’s degree students at SP2, known as the SP2 Social Innovation Scholars.
SP2 welcomed the first Social Innovation Scholar in the fall of 2024. This inaugural Scholar graduated from the MS in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL) Program. The Social Innovation Scholars program is now open to students across all of SP2’s master’s degree programs.
To be eligible for consideration, the applicant must have:
No separate application is required. Learn more.(opens in a new tab)
Applicants who are interested in being considered for the Social Innovation Scholarship Program qualify for an application fee waiver. Email apply@sp2.upenn.edu with your name to receive a fee waiver.
Sue Perls, MS
Interim Director, NPL Program
215-573-2390
infonpl@sp2.upenn.edu